Okay, confession time: I’m a total steak snob. I mean, who isn’t, right? As a food blogger, I’m constantly bombarded with the latest kitchen gadgets promising the moon. So, when I stumbled upon the Wzglod 1700W Smokeless Electric Steak Broiler, claiming to deliver that perfect, crusty, melt-in-your-mouth steak without even stepping foot outside? Yeah, I was skeptical. Could this thing actually bring the steakhouse experience to my humble kitchen? There was only one way to find out: I had to put it through its paces.
First Glance:
Right off the bat, the Wzglod looks the part. It’s got that sleek, stainless steel vibe that screams “serious appliance.” The touch controls? Super intuitive. Plus, it comes with all the bells and whistles: a rack, a tray, and even a handle – nice touch! I went with the Model B, which seemed like the Goldilocks of the bunch – not too big, not too small, just right for my counter.
Putting It to the Test:
The big promise here is speed. Wzglod boasts that it can hit a scorching 1472°F (800°C) in record time. And you know what? It wasn’t kidding. This thing heats up fast – way faster than my oven’s broiler, that’s for sure. I grabbed a beautiful, thick-cut ribeye, gave it a generous seasoning, plopped it on the rack (level 2, as instructed), set the timer for a mere 6 minutes, and crossed my fingers.
Now, the top-down broiling thing is a bit different. The idea is to create that magical Maillard reaction – that’s the fancy science-y term for the crust that makes steak so darn delicious. And I’ll admit, it did a pretty solid job. The steak developed a nice, even sear on top, no complaints there.
The Moment of Truth:
Alright, time to see if this thing walks the walk. The steak did have a good crust, just like they said. And the inside? A perfect medium-rare, just how I like it. Juicy? Yep, it delivered on that front too. But… and this is a big but… it was missing that smoky oomph you get from a charcoal grill. You know, that primal, caveman-esque flavor? That’s the trade-off you make with a “smokeless” grill, I guess. Can’t have it all, right?
On a whim, I even tossed in a pizza one night. Surprisingly good! The crust was crispy, the cheese was melted to perfection – a definite win.
The Final Verdict:
So, is the Wzglod Smokeless Electric Steak Broiler a game-changer? Well, it depends. If you’re a die-hard charcoal purist, probably not. But, if you’re a steak enthusiast living in an apartment, a condo, or anywhere where outdoor grilling is a no-go, then this thing is definitely worth a look. It’s fast, it sears well, and cleanup is a breeze. Just don’t expect it to completely replace the real deal.
The Good Stuff:
- Heats up faster than you can say “steak”
- Gets seriously hot – perfect for searing
- Temperature and timer controls give you precision
- “Smokeless” actually means relatively smokeless (bonus for indoor grilling!)
- Cleaning? A piece of cake
- Surprisingly versatile – not just for steaks!
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- Missing that authentic smoky flavor
- Takes a bit of practice to nail the perfect cooking time
Final Score: I’m giving it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
Would I tell my friends to buy it? Absolutely, with a little asterisk. Just remember, it’s not a magic bullet, but it’s a darn good alternative for getting your steak fix indoors. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear a ribeye calling my name…